anger management

The Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PTSD

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Person in military uniform holding a sign that reads PTSDWritten by Claire Szewczyk

 

The first time that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) reached the public eye, it was known as the concept of “shell shock” – debilitating nightmares, hyper-reactivity and increased dangerous behaviors in veterans who had experienced traumas of combat during World War I. It is still very much a common diagnosis amongst the veteran community, with an incidence of almost 13% (PTSD and veterans: Breaking down the statistics 2021).

However, in more recent years, PTSD has been a more commonly diagnosed mental health disorder that can affect anyone who was exposed to any form of abuse, trauma, or life-threatening situation.

As a result of PTSD becoming more of a common occurrence among the population, it has also become more important for those who are experiencing symptoms to seek out treatment. There are a wide variety of options available, including the tried and true, research-verified effective Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. 

CBT focuses on the relationship among thoughts, feelings and behaviors, targets current problems and symptoms, and then focuses on changing patterns of behavior that lead to difficulty functioning. 

 

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a combat event, a natural disaster, a car accident, or a violent crime. 

Symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the event, and increased feelings of anxiety and depression.

Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulties with adjusting and coping, but with good self-care practices and time, they usually are able to overcome it. If symptoms worsen, linger and interfere with day-to-day functioning, they might be experiencing PTSD.

Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reducing symptoms and improving overall function. 

 

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It targets individuals’ current concerns and issues with day-to-day-functioning and the symptoms they are experiencing, and then provides ways to help challenge negative patterns of thought and behavior, in order to help improve quality of life.

 

How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help PTSD Symptoms?

Several theories that revolve around trauma help explain why CBT is an effective treatment to reduce symptoms of PTSD.

Emotional Processing Theory suggests those who have experienced a traumatic event can develop associations with reminders of the event. Challenging these associations, especially the ones that lead to unhealthy functioning, is the core of emotional processing.

Social Cognitive Theory suggests that those who have defined their existing beliefs about themselves, others, and the world, based on the trauma they experienced, often struggle with unhelpful interpretations of their experiences of their environment. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been scientifically proven through many studies, to alleviate symptoms of PTSD. Typically, CBT treatment includes two main components: exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring. 

A man in military uniform in therapy. Exposure Therapy 

Exposure Therapy aims to reduce the emotional distress associated with reminders of the triggering event. Exposure Therapy operates similarly to how it sounds. It involves gradually exposing the individual to reminders of the traumatic event in a controlled and safe environment. 

If you go through Exposure Therapy you may be asked to recall the traumatic event in therapy, visit places, or engage in activities that are associated with the traumatic event. Over time, the hope is that you will be able to identify your triggers and use coping mechanisms to downplay the symptoms you experience (Yetman, Exposure therapy: Types, how it’s done, and more 2021).

Cognitive Restructuring or Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy 

The second aspect of CBT is Cognitive Restructuring or Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). PE is a type of CBT treatment that involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns associated with the traumatic event (Prolonged exposure (PE).

Cognitive restructuring may include challenging and refuting negative beliefs about oneself, the world, and others developed due to the traumatic event. 

For example, a person with PTSD may believe that the world is dangerous and that they are helpless to protect themselves, which can lead to anxiety and fear. 

Through Cognitive restructuring, a therapist may help the person to challenge and refute this belief and replace it with a more balanced and realistic perspective.

 

CBT is a scientifically proven effective treatment for PTSD

CBT is effective in treating PTSD in several studies. CBT was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD in adults in over 12-15 sessions either in a group setting or one-on-one.

CBT has also been effective in treating PTSD in specific populations, including veterans and individuals who have experienced a traumatic event in childhood. The VA and the American Psychological Association recommend using CBT for PTSD survivors. CBT not only targets PTSD but also targets other symptoms of PTSD such as depression and anxiety.

Multiple studies through the years have championed CBT for PTSD treatment. (Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of PTSD).

 

What are the Benefits of CBT?

Besides the fact that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a scientifically proven effective treatment for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, there’s also a wide variety of benefits over other forms of therapy. Here’s a few of them:

 

     1. It gives people hope about their condition.

Oftentimes, due to the nature of mental health disorders, sometimes it can cause those who have been diagnosed to have a pessimistic outlook about their future wellbeing. It can be difficult to think about a time where their illness won’t impact their life.

CBT challenges this mindset–and offers hope for the future.

It does this by using its own methods to challenge thoughts and ideas like this. Provides a way to seek out alternative possibilities. That life could be very different, and in a more positive way.

 

     2. It develops self-esteem.

It’s not a surprise to note that with many mental health conditions, also comes with a lower sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

This feeds into the cycle of negative thinking, which influences behaviors, and vice versa.

CBT can help disrupt these negative thoughts and patterns, and as a result, help develop more confidence in a person’s own abilities and strengths. 

Understanding how thoughts work, and how they are under the control of those who are thinking them, changes things on a fundamental level. Including the way people see themselves.

 

     3. It can help with relaxation.

Because CBT directly helps with managing thoughts and emotions, this comes with it the ability to control how a person responds to their symptoms.

As a result, it helps regulate responses to triggers and reduce symptoms by utilizing a variety of relaxation techniques.

 

     4. It develops more rational thought processes.

Perhaps the most important benefit of CBT, is that it helps people regain control of their thoughts and emotions. 

Over time, the process of questioning and challenging our thought processes, and replacing them with healthier ones, can transform people entirely.

 

CBT is a great way to treat PTSD

In conclusion, CBT is a widely recognized and effective treatment for PTSD. This type of therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and that we can change our emotional response to a traumatic event by changing our thoughts and behaviors. 

Through exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring, CBT can help individuals reduce symptoms of PTSD, such as re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoiding reminders of the event, and decreasing feelings of anxiety and depression. 

 

Claire Szewczyk Bio PicAuthor Bio:

Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. She was a former US Airforce civilian employee, who worked at Hill Air Force Base, in Layton, UT as a flight testing administrator. She has also spent several years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs audiology programs in Salt Lake City, UT and Pocatello, ID. She enjoys working with the Veteran population and keeping them up to date with information they need the most.

 

 

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Specialist Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management Counseling.

 

References

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treatment of PTSD. American Psychological Association. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/cognitive-behavioral-therapy

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Prolonged exposure (PE). American Psychological Association. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/prolonged-exposure

Emotional processing theory (EPT) and exposure therapy for … – springer. SpringerLink. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2023, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10879-006-9008-y

PTSD and veterans: Breaking down the statistics. Hill & Ponton, P.A. (2021, May 11). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.hillandponton.com/veterans-statistics/ptsd/

Yetman, D. (2021, June 21). Exposure therapy: Types, how it’s done, and more. Healthline. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/exposure-therapy#:~:text=Exposure%20therapy%20is%20a%20kind,therapist%20in%20a%20safe%20environment. 

Video on Anger Management and Road Rage

Posted on by Mark Moran

One place where one needs to control anger is behind the wheel of a car.  There may no more dangerous place than to lose one’s temper while driving.  Accidents, road rage, and even death can occur due to one’s inability to control anger when driving.  It is important to understand that one should never drive when angry or if they feel angry to find a spot to pull over.

Too many times, anger is triggered by aggressive driving or improper adherence to rules.  It is important to drive defensively and to also practice anger management while driving.  In doing so, individuals can be safer on the road and limit unneeded collisions and death.  The video below reviews some basic ways to prevent road rage, handle emotion while driving and defensive driving strategies.

Driving is not the place to become angry. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.

 

 

Please also review the video below

Yoga, Meditation and Anger Management

Posted on by Mark Moran

Controlling anger is key to a healthier life style.  Allowing the actions of others to hurt our own mental and physical health can cause stress and disharmony in the body.  Anger management can help oneself find the ability to better acknowledge anger triggers as well as to better cope with the emotional eruption.  Yoga is one way to learn better ways to cope with anger and control emotion. Yoga is easy to learn and a great way to let off frustration and find inner peace.  There are numerous poses in yoga that can aid an individual in dealing with angry emotions.

The article, “Yoga for anger management: 5 poses to break free” by Anujj Trehaan discusses the various poses one can utilize in yoga to combat anger.  She lists numerous poses from Balasana to Sukhusana.  She also encourages Savasana, Matsyasana, and Uttanasana as important poses.  The article explains the purpose of each pose and how the poses help one better cope with anger.  She states,

Yoga can play an important role in anger management, as well as with stress management in one’s daily life and existence.  Various Yoga poses are also directly correlated with managing anger

 

“It is natural to feel anger but not when it starts getting the better of you.Anger is a powerful emotion and probably the only one that hurts us more than it may hurt someone else.If you find yourself in an unbreakable loop of rage and resentment, we have got your back.Go ahead and try these five yoga poses for anger management.”

“Yoga for anger management: 5 poses to break free”. Anujj Trehaan. October 23rd, 2022. NewsBytes.

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

When it comes to yoga and anger, there are a few things to consider. For one, anger is often seen as an emotion that needs to be released in order to achieve inner peace. However, yoga teaches us that all emotions should be experienced and then let go of. This can be difficult to do with something as powerful as anger. But if we can learn to experience anger without letting it take over, we can find a balance between the two extremes.

Yoga and meditation can play key roles in reducing stress and anger in life.  They can prevent the sympathetic nervous system from overwhelming the body and keeping the body in a constant state of fight or flight.  It can also help the body find relaxation and reverse it through the para sympathetic nervous system.  This deactivates many of the hormones and the prepare the body for fight or flight and all the emotions that are tied to this response.

Types of Poses for Anger Management

Balasana, also known as child’s pose, is a resting pose in yoga. The word “balasana” comes from the Sanskrit words “bala,” meaning “child,” and “asana,” meaning “pose.” This pose is often used as a resting pose between more active poses, or as a way to release tension and anger. To perform child’s pose, start in a kneeling position with your buttocks resting on your heels.

The Hindi word “suhkusana” can be translated to English as “anger.” This word is often used to describe the feeling of anger that one experiences when they are upset or frustrated. When someone is suhkusana, they may feel like they are about to explode with anger. This feeling can be caused by many different things, such as stress, anxiety, or even just everyday life.  It is of no wonder then why this pose is utilized in anger management.

Savasana, also known as corpse pose, is a posture that is often used in yoga classes. The purpose of savasana is to allow the body and mind to relax and release any tension that has been built up during the practice. Anger is an emotion that is characterized by feelings of frustration, hostility, and/or aggression. It is often triggered by a perceived threat or injustice.

Matsyasana is a yoga asana that helps to release anger. When we are angry, we tend to hold our breath or take shallow breaths. This asana helps to release the tension in the body and allows us to take deep, calming breaths. It also helps to lengthen the spine, which can help to improve our posture and alleviate back pain.

Uttanasana, or “intense stretching pose,” is a yoga asana that is said to be beneficial for anger management. The practice of Uttanasana is said to help release tension and stress from the body, which can often contribute to feelings of anger. In addition, the deep breathing associated with Uttanasana is said to help relax the mind and body, providing a sense of calmness and peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yoga is a great way to help manage anger. It can be done in a group setting or at home, and only requires a yoga mat and some comfortable clothing. Yoga can help to focus the mind and body, and release tension that may be causing anger.  If you are feeling angry, there are certain yoga poses that can help you to manage that anger. These poses include the Camel Pose, the Child’s Pose, and the Corpse Pose. By practicing these poses, you can help to calm yourself down and find some inner peace. If you are looking for a way to manage your anger, give yoga a try.

Please also review AIHCP’s program in Anger Management Consulting and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals looking to earn a certification in Anger Management.

AIHCP also offers a program in Meditation Instructor that can help individuals utilize meditation in their daily lives and help teach others.  Obviously Yoga is an important element in meditation and is also discussed. In addition, Yoga also is beneficial in Stress Management and AIHCP also offers a certification for those interested in teaching Stress Management.

All three of these programs are very much integrated and connected in practice and better outcomes with anger and stress.

Additional Resources

“Development and validation of Yoga Module for Anger Management in adolescents”. Alaka ManiTL, etc. al. Complementary Therapies in Medicine Volume 61, September 2021, 102772. Access here

“Yoga for Anger Management: Practice These Yoga Exercises to Control Anger”. Ashish. December 21st, 2021. Fitsri. Access here

“Yoga for Anger Management: Release Negative Energy”. Taylah Soutter. September 20th, 2022. Men’s Yoga Journal.  Access here

“HOW YOGA BENEFITS ANGER MANAGEMENT”. Nicole Anderson. The Strive. Access here

Anger Management and Unresolved Trauma Video

Posted on by Mark Moran

Unresolved anger in trauma is very common.   The trauma caused can lead to anger towards the situation, society or the perpetrator of the trauma.  Forgiveness, letting go and and finding peace can be difficult with unresolved anger.  Many times, aggression and and violence can emerge from this type of unresolved conflict.  This is especially true if justice is not given to a particular past wrong.

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.

 

 

Please review the video below

Anger Management Specialist Program Blog on Dangers of Anger

Posted on by Mark Moran

Anger can become a tool of one’s own undoing if not properly managed.  Too many individuals give into anger and hurt others and face criminal charges, while others only hurt themselves by stressing their bodies through the stages of anger.  It is important to learn to manage anger the same way one manages stress.

Anger can become dangerous if not controlled. Please also review AIHCPs’ Anger Management Specialist Program

 

The article, “The Dangers of Anger” by Scott Butwell looks at the dangers of anger and how to better manage and control it. He states,

“Anger can be a destructive emotional cocktail. There is anger mixed with anxiety, anger tinged with stress, anger boiling over with resentment.  There are thousands of different kinds of anger.  Anger can destroy relationships, eat you alive by turning into resentment, and you can become easily addicted to anger like drugs or alcohol.  Anger can be passed on from one generation to the next, and if you think you don’t struggle with it, depression is often suppressed anger. Maybe, you bottle up your anger — like me.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management Training

Grief Counseling Certification Article on the Place of Anger in Grief

Posted on by Mark Moran

Anger plays a pivotal role in the grief process.  Kubler Ross places it as the second step in the grief process after denial.  Of course, steps and phases are not science, many experience anger first as well, or even later, but anger definitely plays a role in the process.  For some, this emotion is more present in a loss depending on one’s own particular emotional makeup or the facts surrounding the particular loss.  Someone who may lose a person to a drinking and driving accident may experience more anger than one who loses someone to natural causes.  Others who are naturally more angry with life may lash out regardless.  Hence the amount and degree of anger in the grief process varies.

Anger nonetheless if felt is an important emotional release.  If one feels angry over a loss, it is important to express that anger in a conducive and healthy way.  If one lets anger remain dormant and does not express it, then the grief process itself can stalled.  Grief Counselors should encourage all emotional expression to be exhibited in a safe and constructive way.

Anger is a natural part of grief. Grief Counselors should allow the bereaved to express it. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program, as well as its Anger Management Program

 

Here are some things to consider regarding the circumstances of anger during the grief cycle.  First, anger over injustice is very common.  If the loss was due to drunk driving, a malpractice case, a crime, a foreign attack, or a preventable accident, then anger usually expresses itself early.  Later the anger is turned into social reform or the seeking of justice.  In the recent deaths of  George Floyd, we see constructive anger over the death of Floyd put to societal change and police reform.  Second, anger over personal difficult relationships occur.  A death can result in anger if the person deceased was not always the best person.  An abusive spouse, or a conflicting individual can leave someone with guilt and anger.  Some cases of anger are completely due to the person being felt left behind or alone.  A struggling widow may have resentment to a husband who did not take his health seriously.  Or in some cases, individuals may have resentment in how the person died.  Family members who have to deal with the fallout of a suicide victim, may feel resentment and anger as well.

In all these cases, it is important that anger is expressed properly and allowed to surface.   Anger itself is can damaging to someone who allows it to ferment within the soul.  It can lead to future issues and poor health.  Hence it is important for counselors to help it come out in individuals.  After the anger is released, individuals can then discover why they are angry and dismiss potential guilt issues or surrounding beliefs about the death of the individual.

Grief Counselors should also be aware that those in intense grief and experiencing anger lash out at others.  They displace their grief.  Displaced grief and anger is very common.  Those angry may lash out at a variety of things or persons.  In most instances, the person closest receive the emotional rage, but in other moments, counselors and friends may also experience the anger.  In some cases, God is a scapegoat for anger.  Those in intense grief can blame God for a loss and even begin to question their own faith and world views.

It is not uncommon for existential crisis and questioning of world views to occur for those suffering intense grief.  Meaning of life is questioned and anger at authority is common.  Those of faith usually rebound but the initial anger is part of their process of comprehending and experiencing the grief.  Grief Counselors in these cases do not enter into a logical or philosophical debate about their faith but instead patiently listen and allow the bereaved to express their anger at their faith, God, or world view.  After the person is able to better comprehend the true essence of his or her anger is one able to regain rationality.   Yet, still, this process is critical for many in the grief process.

Grief Counselors should never take personal attacks to heart. Instead they need to understand in their training the nature of displacement and how an individual sometimes utilizes anger in their pain.   Friends and family should also be patient with those who lash out in intense grief and not take emotional words personally.   Patients and love are key for the bereaved.   After emotion is permitted to display itself, then true healing and understanding can begin to occur, but the time has to be on the bereaved terms.

Grief requires expression. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

Anger hence is an important part of the grieving process.  It may be unpleasant but it has purpose towards healing.  It brings one ultimately to rationality and allows counselors to see the pain that may be preventing healing.  In many cases, anger is also healthy for social reform.

The American Academy of Grief Counseling offers a certification in Grief Counseling.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.  If interested, please review the Grief Counseling Certification program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  Also, please review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program.  The program is based on similar grounds and is also open to qualified professionals.

 

Other resources

AIHCP’s video on Anger Management, please click here”

Grief and Sympathy article, “Anger Stage of Grief-It is Normal-How to Move on”, please click here

 

 

Anger Management and ADHD Consulting Article on ADHD and Anger

Posted on by Mark Moran

ADHD can enhance irritation.  People can be less patient, more irritable due to ADHD.  This is important to note especially with someone who may not know they have ADHD but always find themselves frustrated.  It may not be so much about irritability but ADHD.

Frustration from ADHD can leader to anger outbursts. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger and ADHD Consulting Programs

 

The article, “ADHD and Anger: What’s the Connection?” from Healthline looks closer at how anger can be enhanced through ADHD.  The article states,

“Irritability and ADHD appear to go hand in hand. In one recent studyTrusted Source involving 696 children with ADHD, 91 percent had at least one symptom of irritability. In this study, researchers found that irritability was associated with both anxiety and depression symptoms.”

To review the entire article, please click here

With such cases of irritation and moods from ADHD, anger can reduced with proper treatment of the ADHD.

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Certification, as well as AIHCP’s ADHD Consulting Certification and see the programs meet any of your needs.  The programs are both online and independent study and are open to qualified professionals seeking four year certifications in Anger Management or ADHD Consulting.

 

Anger Management Training Program Article on Controlling Anger at Work

Posted on by Mark Moran

Anger can become a big issue at work.  It is important to keep work safe and not intimidating to others as well as protect oneself.  Anger however rarely listens to reason and it is important to be able to control anger, understand it and not allow it to interfere at work.

Anger at work is a big social problem. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Training Program

 

The article, “How to manage your anger and frustration at work” by Nurhurda Syed explains why it is important to control anger at work and how to better cope with it.  The article states,

“It’s a difficult time to be a leader and it’s okay if things are starting to get to you, professionally or personally. The best way to manage your anger or frustration at work is through some self-awareness and honesty, said Maria Micha, a clinical mental health counsellor, psychiatrist and corporate trainer. If you feel like you’re losing grip of a situation at work, take the time to reflect on your life and the issues you’re handling.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Training Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management.

 

Anger Management Training Program Article on Positive Anger

Posted on by Mark Moran

Anger due to inappropriate reactions receives a negative connotation among emotions.  Anger in fact is a response to something that is dangerous or unfair or unjust.  It is a reaction that something is very wrong.  If anger is channeled properly, it is a useful tool.  If one can learn to become only angry in the right way, then it can be very beneficial and be stripped of its negative results.  Anger Management can play a key role in stripping anger of its negative results.

It is important to utilize anger in positive ways. Please also review our Anger Management Training Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals

 

The article, “Anger Management: How to Get Angry the Right Way” by Gurudatta Somayaji H looks at how to become angry in a healthy way.  The article states,

“According to psychologists, anger is a normal emotion that always gets negative press. They view that anger is a sign of something which is not right and needs to be addressed quickly. When we take notice of that signal and rectify the problem, we’re usually much better for it. ”

To read the entire article, please click here

Anger Management can help many people who struggle with anger learn how to express it in healthy ways.  Please also review our Anger Management Training Program and see if it matches our academic and professional goals.

 

 

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Anger Management Consulting Certification Article on Dr Conte Video

Posted on by Mark Moran

Anger can gain control over the best of people.  It is a natural emotion that is benign but can be utilized for both good and bad.  Unfortunately, anger is more misused and can cause profound problems for individual health and also social interaction.  Dr Conte, an Anger Specialist, and also an instructor at AIHCP offers five ways to curb and control anger.

Anger Management Consulting Certification program is offered by AIHCP and Dr Conte. Please review the program and see if it meets your needs

 

In the video, Dr Conte helps individuals learn how to control their rage and anger.

To review the video, “Five Keys to Controlling Anger”, please click here

Controlling anger is key in life.  If anger controls oneself, then it can lead to a life of stress, injured relations, and possibly crime.  It is essential to listen to the words of Dr Conte in controlling rage and anger.

Please also review our Anger Management Consulting Certification authored by Dr Conte and see how it can help yourself and others in managing anger.  The program is online and offered to qualified professionals seeking certification in the area of Anger Management.